Tribal elders demand reopening of Af-Pak trade route

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Tribal elders from Pakistan’s northwestern tribal region of Parachinar have called for the reopening of a border crossing point for bilateral trade with Afghanistan.

The call came at a jirga that conferred on the problems arising out of the closure of the crossing point in Kurram Agency. The Borki route was used for trade with Afghanistan even before Pakistan’s existence.

An elder, Malik Nauroz, recalled the locals had offered 200 acres of land free of cost when the National Logistic Cell was tasked with setting up facilities along the border.

While declining the offer, the authorities purchased a disputed piece of land in Kharlachi, he regretted, saying the notified route for trade with Afghanistan was closed a month ago.

Hundreds of people had lost employment as a result of the closure of the trade route, the elder lamented. He warned of protests if the crossing point was not reopened.

Haji Kamal Hussain, Malik Islam Ali, Hazrat Gul and other participants urged the government to reopen the British-ear route for trade.

Malik Islam Ali alleged the NLC deliberately tried to create problems for the tribespeople. He said destroying the tribe financially was not a smart move.

Lawmaker Sajjad Hussain said the government must resolve all these problems amicably to maintain peace amongst the tribesmen.